What is the difference between cow’s milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance?
Cow’s milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance are hypersensitive reactions whose symptoms are provoked by exposure to a specific compound, milk protein and lactose respectively, at a dose that is tolerated by normal subjects. Both can have symptoms that are related to the digestive system, which are often confused. Allergy is caused by an immunological mechanism while intolerance is a reaction that is caused by an enzyme deficiency. In case of allergy, all milk products should be excluded from the diet. On the other hand, most of the people who are lactose intolerant can continue the consumption of milk products without problems ( especially yoghurts and ripened cheeses).
